2. Contact Info

3. Dealer Selection

The 2014 E-Class is a refreshed model, though we’re guessing Mercedes-Benz wasn’t too stressed out about it, especially judging by the E’s recent sales numbers. Through the first half of 2013, Benz sold 28,231 copies of its popular midsizer, topping the BMW 5 Series by more than 2000 units. The Audi A6 and Lexus GS? Sales of both cars didn’t even make it past the four-digit range. So with a good foundation in place, the 2014 E-Class is sporting revisions where it counts.

All E350 variants, including the 4Matic sedan and wagon we drove, are still powered by the 3.5-liter V-6 updated for 2012 that produces 302 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque. The sedan and wagon will run from 0-60 mph in 5.8 and 6.2 seconds, respectively. The sedan ran the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds with the wagon needing three-tenths of a second longer. Both models stopped well, needing 106 and 109 feet to halt from 60 mph.

We’re eager to test the E’s rear-drive variants to determine how much the 4Matic’s all-wheel-drive hardware affects performance. For the most part, these 4Matic Es don’t exhibit the front-heavy or clumsy behavior found in some all-wheel-drive cars. Both cars remain relatively planted through fast, sweeping turns, and steering is responsive and light. Benz says it refined the E’s suspension, which now includes a stroke-dependent damping system as standard equipment. (The E63 AMG still gets its fancy adaptive setup.) Both our sedan and wagon were sport models, meaning a sport-tuned suspension and a ride height 15mm lower than the luxury model. The sedan completed our figure eight course in 26.3 seconds, and the wagon was just two-tenths of a second behind. Despite the wagon’s added heft out back, it felt no different than the sedan. If the ML-Class feels a bit too clumsy for your tastes, then the E wagon is a worthy alternative that combines ML’s practicality and cargo capacity, but provides a better experience behind the wheel.

Despite the improved driving dynamics, the E350 4Matic isn’t a poor man’s E63 AMG. The transmission, for example, features Sport and Manual modes activated by tugging on the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, but defaults to the more efficient Comfort mode after a few minutes. The engine, while adequately powerful, groans at the upper range of the powerband. Other competitors are far sportier, such as the Lexus GS 350 F Sport, which we’ve praised for its sharp handling and rowdy and fantastic engine note.

We’ve heard mixed reactions when it comes to the exterior changes, but there’s no denying that the 2014 E-Class turns a lot of heads. The front end especially gets a lot of attention. Our cars were equipped with the optional Lighting package that includes stunning LED daytime running lamps shaped like futuristic boomerangs. They’re among the sharpest and brightest LEDs on the market. We can’t say exactly when Benz beat Audi in the illumination game, but our guess is it happened somewhere between the launch of the new GL in the 2013 model year and the refreshed E-Class. The lighting package also includes all-LED headlights, an adaptive high-beam system, and active curve-and-corner illumination.

Benz redesigned the grille, with a large three-star logo for Sport models (Luxury trim gets a traditional multi-slat grille and hood ornament). Sport models also get a more aggressive lower bumper, with gaping air dams that wouldn’t look out of place on an AMG. The back end is handsome as well. In most photos, the taillights admittedly look like boring red rectangles. In person, however, there are intricate details within the housing that pop in the sunlight. The taillights are eye-catching at night, too, thanks to additional LED treatment.

Inside, designers made subtle changes to bring the cabin up to date. The buttons below the audio controls, for example, are finished in metallic trim, adding a premium feel to the center stack. One of Benz’s signatures, the analog clock that once sat on the left side of the instrument panel, has been moved to the center stack, now framed in chrome and viewable by all passengers. Also new are metallic accents framing the air vents, steering wheel-mounted buttons, the COMAND screen, and the upper or lower edge of the wood trim.

In all, the 2014 E350 still satisfies Benz’s core customers. It’s comfortable, luxurious, and safe. Add to that a livelier chassis, a sharper interior, and eye-catching exterior bits (especially those LEDs), and you get a formula that should keep the E at the top of its class.

We’ve Temporarily Removed Comments

As part of our ongoing efforts to make MotorTrend.com better, faster, and easier for you to use, we’ve temporarily removed comments as well as the ability to comment. We’re testing and reviewing options to possibly bring comments back. As always, thanks for reading MotorTrend.com.

Horsepower

Torque

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class News and Reviews

For some cars, lights not only illuminate the road ahead but also serve as a distinctive styling element that can sometimes be the most interesting part of a car's overall design. Automakers are increasingly attempting to solidify their signature look with light designs, and LED technology allows them to create unique designs that are identifiable whether it's day or night.Lexus…

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently tested the 2014 Mercedes-Ben E-Class and added it to its relatively small list of cars that are rated as a Top Safety Pick+. Following the Mercedes ML-Class, the E-Class is the second Benz to earn the designation.The IIHS points out that only cars built after January 2014 are considered a Top Safety Pick+…

Want to drive over 200 mph in an E-Class sedan? Then the folks at Brabus can make your wish come true. The tuner’s latest creation is called the Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo, which puts out an insane 838 hp (850 metric hp) and 1069 lb-ft of torque. Brabus says it’ll run “in excess” of 217 mph and reach 62 from…

Mercedes-Benz has a solution for those wanting to experience a Formula 1 lap from the driver’s perspective – and more. Not only do these new Mercedes-Benz 360 Degree Films show the driver’s view, but viewers can drag the video to show multiple angles.Filmed at Silverstone Circuit, the videos were shot with six cameras recording at 40 frames per second. The…

A year ago, I described the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series as "a track-to-street tour de force." With a 510-hp naturally aspirated V-8, 15.4-inch brakes, and 19-inch forged wheels with R-compound Dunlops, the C Black was (and is), in my humble opinion, right there with the Porsche 911 Carrera S as the best all-around sports car for under $150,000.With the…